Relational meditation (sometimes called Circling) is an interpersonal practice that weaves together mindfulness, somatic awareness, intersubjective conversation, and the energetic dynamics of the group field to create an ever-evolving, present-centered experience. In this practice we aim to get a “felt sense” of connection both with ourselves and each other in the immediacy of the here-and-now. The practice honors that, within each of us, the world occurs in its own unique way. By exploring the range of perspectives and experiences that we hold, we begin to bridge the divide, replacing disconnection and isolation with appreciation and wonder.

Ultimately, this work is about staying in relationship. It’s about trying on another’s experience while simultaneously staying true to our own. This is a practice about seeing, being seen, and giving and receiving the kind of generative attention that changes lives and allows for new possibilities to emerge. If the quality of our lives is measured, in large part, by the quality of our relationships, then this seems a highly worthy endeavor. In fact, it could be argued that this is exactly the kind of work that is needed right now, on a global level, to ensure sustainability here on our planet. As Mary Oliver says, “We are each other’s destiny.”

Interpersonal meditation is NOT therapy, and this is NOT a “therapy group” or a “process group.” Rather, it is a developmental practice that works our edges in the territory of human relationship. The experience may, at times, touch core material, evoking strong emotions, feelings, and somatic sensations in participants. Because this is a relational practice and we all have relational wounding, it is likely that it will, at some point, touch into places of tenderness in this domain. Group dynamics are at play, after all.

There is an upside to this caveat, however. Although not the aim or intention of the practice, this work CAN be healing. Between attachment wounds and narcissistic injuries, we all have places where we didn’t get what we needed relationally in our formative experiences. At the heart of the practice lies a commitment to connection that can be, and often is, an immensely transformative antidote to aloneness.

I hold the dual frame that relational meditation is both evolutionary AND therapeutic; as a trained therapist, I will pay homage to the duality by holding and working skillfully with wounding that gets activated, AND making sure that participants are well-resourced and have the requisite supports in place to handle any overflow (processing trauma and core material is not the focus or intention of the group, to be clear). I will ultimately foster a space in which healthy emotional risk-taking and vulnerability are encouraged as part of authentic relational practice.

Ours will be a closed, 8-week dive into this dynamic intersubjective terrain. We will meet over Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm EST on the following dates: 10/13/21, 10/20/21, 10/27/21, 11/3/21, 11/10/21, 11/17/21, 12/1/21, 12/8/21 (note that we will NOT be meeting on the eve of Thanksgiving!)

Investment: $450 by 8/31/21 and $525 thereafter

IMPORTANT: This will be an intimate group. I am capping it at 8 participants. By a “closed” group, I mean that it will be the same people over the course of the 8 weeks, without the comings and goings that occur with drop-in situations. This is intentional and will ideally foster deeper trust, safety, and connection. Please be prepared to commit yourself to the entirety of the experience if you choose to join us. Also, you MUST have a conversation with me prior to signing up, especially if I don’t know you. For both of our sakes, as well as the potential health of the group, I want to make sure that it’s a “good fit.”

Finally, this experience is not a substitute for psychotherapy. It may, however, be a beautiful adjunct to your already-existing process that way. If you have questions about the potential rightness of this group for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please contact me here with inquiries and interest:
Email: ashley@psychoalchemy.com
Phone: 609.280.6574

About the facilitator:

Ashley King, M.S.Ed., Ed.M., LPC is a somatic and relational psychotherapist with a private practice in Center City, Philadelphia where she works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. She is trained in the Hakomi Method (a method of mindful, somatic therapy) and AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). In addition, she is a certified Circling facilitator, a trained coach, a meditation instructor, an intuitive energy healer and Reiki Master, and a certified yoga teacher with 500+ hours of training. As a writer and former English teacher, Ashley brings an artful poise to her facilitation, and her body of work, more largely, is about the poetics of embodied relationship. Over the last decade she has led workshops, run groups, and given talks on myriad topics including yoga, meditation, energy medicine, somatic therapy, Authentic Relating and Circling, mindful communication, women’s sexuality, writing as a spiritual practice, and more. Once hailed, “A catalytic invitation into vulnerability and connection,” Ashley is deeply passionate about the intersection of dynamic embodiment and relational practice. You can find out more about her at her website: www.psychoalchemy.com

What People Are Saying:

“Ashley’s impact wakes me up. She’s an extraordinary guide with profound heart, who is both a thinker and a feeler. Her articulation, whether of idea or sentiment, sears with clarity.” —poet and workshop participant

“Ashley holds an exquisite kind of space and reverently places people in the spotlight of their own experiences.” —psychotherapist and workshop participant

“The world needs more of Ashley’s courageous spirit, her healing energy, and her incredible ability to communicate and connect. She was meant to lead.” —artist and workshop participant

“I realized that you are providing the ‘how’ to answer the call of Timothy Leary's quote, ‘Find the others...’ It's like a mosh pit of awareness, pushing our threshold of vulnerability, trusting in our intuitive ability, honestly expressing ourselves. You're providing a space for people to ‘take a chance.’ This is a very real solution to the world's biggest problem, more people than ever, feeling more isolated than ever.” —medical professional and workshop participant

“Your workshop had a profound effect on me. I was broken open in a way that I never expected to be. I left feeling far more connected to myself, to others, and to the larger world.” —mindfulness educator and workshop participant

“Your event restored my faith in the redemptive power of human connection.” —consultant and workshop participant